Harlem Nights (1989)
At the time of its release, the Eddie Murphy written and directed "Harlem Nights" was a spectacle of Black luminaries — and a box office failure that threatened the once-bulletproof-superstar's career. Take a look back now, however, and you'll find so much more.
Gangster movies need not all be dark, gritty thrillers, and "Nights" is proof. A film that often glossed over in retrospectives of Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy, it was a team-up of two of the funniest men working in Hollywood at the time, and as successful a period crime caper as it was a comedy. Set in 1918, Pryor stars as Sugar Ray, who along with his adoptive son "Quick" Brown (Murphy) run the hippest joint in the city, Club Sugar Ray's, a Harlem night club that uses a candy shop as a front for illegal gambling.
But problems arise for them when local gangster Bugsy Calhoun (Michael Lerner) gets wind that Sugar Ray's club is pulling in more business than his own establishment, and becomes determined to shut them down. With the police in his pocket, Calhoun sends corrupt copper Cantone (Danny Aiello) to harass the duo. Sugar Ray and Quick vow to fight back, even though Calhoun has more men, more power, and more lawmen on the take.
Though no award-winner, "Harlem Nights" is a movie the critics got wrong, as the laughs are there and the comic wit of both its bright stars are on point. The period setting and old-school gangster vibe give it a fresh take for a buddy film, making it one of the most underrated '80s comedies as well.
Harlem Nights stands out not only as a period gangster film but also as a remarkable comedy that challenged the conventional expectations of its genre. Unlike typical gangster movies that lean heavily into dark and intense narratives, Harlem Nights incorporates humor and wit, largely thanks to the exceptional comedic chemistry between Eddie Murphy and Richard Pryor. This film offers audiences a rare glimpse of 1918 Harlem, a vibrant cultural hotspot during the Harlem Renaissance, which provides an authentic backdrop that enriches the storyline. The film’s plot revolves around Sugar Ray and his adoptive son Quick Brown, who manage a popular Harlem nightclub that doubles as a front for illegal gambling. This setup introduces conflict when a powerful local gangster, Bugsy Calhoun, threatens their business, using his influence over corrupt police officers to try and shut them down. The dynamic between these characters highlights themes of loyalty, resilience, and the struggle for control within a racially charged society. Beyond its entertaining surface, Harlem Nights holds cultural significance. It brought together some of the most influential Black actors and filmmakers of the era, representing a bold effort to showcase Black talent and stories in Hollywood during the late 1980s. Though criticized at the time for its box office performance and certain creative choices, the film has gradually been re-evaluated by viewers and critics who appreciate its humor, period accuracy, and the performances of Murphy and Pryor. For enthusiasts of classic films, Harlem Nights offers a unique blend of crime, comedy, and historical context. It serves as a reminder of the evolving landscape of Black cinema and the risks taken by artists like Eddie Murphy, not only as a star but also as a writer and director. Additionally, the film underscores the versatility of the gangster genre when infused with humor and cultural richness, setting a precedent for future films that seek to blend these elements.
